Tourist Allegedly Throws Rock at Hawaiian Monk Seal, Claims to Protect Turtles
Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, a tourist from Washington, is facing backlash after being filmed throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal named Lani in Maui. The incident, which occurred on May 5, 2026, was captured on video and widely shared online. Lytvynchuk's attorney, Myles Breiner, stated that his client intended to protect nearby sea turtles, not harm the seal. The rock narrowly missed the seal, causing it to startle. Lytvynchuk, who is a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Ukraine, is reportedly devastated by the public's perception of his actions. He is scheduled to appear in court in Honolulu on May 27. The case has drawn significant attention and condemnation from local and federal officials, including Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen and U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. 
